1. Overview
Kim Kwang-min (김광민Korean; born 16 August 1962) is a North Korean football coach and former player who primarily played as a defender. Throughout his career, Kim Kwang-min achieved recognition both as a national team player, participating in multiple FIFA World Cup qualifying campaigns and the AFC Asian Cup, and later as a highly successful coach for the North Korean women's national team. Under his guidance, the women's team achieved significant international success, including winning the AFC Women's Asian Cup and securing medals at the Asian Games.
2. Player Career
Kim Kwang-min's career as a professional footballer saw him represent North Korea at the highest level, making notable contributions in various international competitions.
2.1. Early Life and Club Career
Kim Kwang-min was born in Pyongyang, North Korea, on 16 August 1962. Information regarding his youth and early club career within the North Korean championship is limited.
2.2. National Team Career
Kim Kwang-min began his international playing career with the North Korea national football team in 1985. He made his debut on 19 January 1985 in a match against Singapore during the qualifiers for the 1986 FIFA World Cup. He continued to be a key player for the national team, participating in the qualifying campaigns for the 1986 FIFA World Cup, 1990 FIFA World Cup, and 1994 FIFA World Cup.
In 1987, Kim Kwang-min was instrumental in leading the North Korean team to victory at the 1987 Kings Cup held in Thailand. His achievement in this tournament earned him the title of "Meritorious Athlete" (공훈체육인Korean). In 1990, he was part of the North Korean squad that competed in the inaugural edition of the Dynasty Cup, a tournament that later evolved into the East Asian Football Cup.
He particularly distinguished himself in the final stages of the 1992 AFC Asian Cup held in Japan, where he scored both of North Korea's goals in three matches. His first goal in the tournament opened the scoring against the host nation, Japan, in a match that eventually ended in a 1-1 draw. He also scored the opening goal against the United Arab Emirates, though North Korea ultimately lost that match 2-1. Kim Kwang-min also scored another goal in the final round of the 1994 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Iraq, contributing to North Korea's 3-2 victory, which was their sole win in that final qualifying stage. Additionally, he scored in a 2-1 friendly win against Bolivia at the 1993 Nehru Cup.
2.3. International Goals
Kim Kwang-min scored five international goals for the North Korean national team:
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 31 May 1988 | Kathmandu, Nepal | Hong Kong | 1-0 | 1-0 | 1988 AFC Asian Cup qualification |
| 2. | 27 May 1989 | Causeway Bay, Hong Kong | Hong Kong | 1-0 | 2-1 | 1990 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| 3. | 1 November 1992 | Hiroshima, Japan | Japan | 1-0 | 1-1 | 1992 AFC Asian Cup |
| 4. | 3 November 1992 | United Arab Emirates | 1-0 | 1-2 | ||
| 5. | 15 October 1993 | Doha, Qatar | Iraq | 1-2 | 3-2 | 1994 FIFA World Cup qualification |
3. Coaching Career
After his playing career, Kim Kwang-min transitioned into coaching, most notably leading the North Korea women's national football team to considerable success on the international stage.
3.1. Appointment and Early Activities
Kim Kwang-min was appointed as the head coach of the North Korean women's national football team in 2007. His initial period as coach saw him lead the team in major global tournaments.
3.2. Major Tournament Achievements
Under Kim Kwang-min's leadership, the North Korean women's national team achieved a series of impressive results in various international competitions:
- In 2007, he guided the team to the quarter-finals of the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup held in China, marking the team's best-ever result at a Women's World Cup.
- The team also participated in the 2008 Summer Olympics football tournament in Beijing with Kim Kwang-min on the bench.
- In 2008, North Korea won the 2008 AFC Women's Asian Cup.
- They finished as runners-up in the 2008 East Asian Women's Football Championship.
- In 2010, the team secured a silver medal at the 2010 Asian Games.
- They also finished as runners-up in the 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup.
- Kim Kwang-min coached the team at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup in Germany.
- The team claimed victory in the 2013 EAFF Women's East Asian Cup.
- North Korea achieved a gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games.
- They won the 2015 EAFF Women's East Asian Cup.
- Their success continued with a victory in the 2017 EAFF E-1 Football Championship.
4. Awards and Recognition
Kim Kwang-min has received several awards and honors recognizing his significant contributions to football as both a player and a coach.
4.1. Individual Awards and Honors
- In 1987, Kim Kwang-min was awarded the title of "Meritorious Athlete" (공훈체육인Korean) by the DPR Korea in recognition of his role in leading the North Korean team to victory in the 1987 Kings Cup.
- In 2008, he was named the AFC Women's Coach of the Year by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for his outstanding achievements as the head coach of the North Korean women's national football team.